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The Replisome

The Replisome

DNA replication is carried out by a large complex of proteins that act in a coordinated matter to achieve high-fidelity DNA replication. Together this complex is known as the DNA replication machinery or the replisome.
The synthesis of the leading and lagging strands is a highly coordinated process. To explain this, the “Trombone model” was proposed by Bruce Alberts in 1980. The DNA loop formation starts when a primer is synthesized on the parent lagging strand. The loop grows with the...

The Replisome

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DNA replication is carried out by a large complex of proteins that act in a coordinated matter to achieve high-fidelity DNA replication. Together this complex is known as the DNA replication machinery or the replisome.
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The pentose sugar in DNA is deoxyribose, while in RNA the pentose sugar is ribose. The difference between the sugars is the presence of the hydroxyl group on the ribose's second carbon and a hydrogen on the deoxyribose's second carbon. The phosphate residue attaches to the hydroxyl group of the 5′ carbon of one sugar and the hydroxyl group of the 3′ carbon of the sugar of the next nucleotide, which forms a 5′ to 3′ phosphodiester linkage.
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DNA Replication

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 6, 2026

Single-Molecule Fluorescence Visualization of DNA Polymerase Dynamics at G-Quadruplexes

Single-Molecule Fluorescence Visualization of DNA Polymerase Dynamics at G-Quadruplexes

Published on: April 4, 2025

Structure and function of 2:1 DNA polymerase.DNA complexes.

Kuo-Hsiang Tang¹, Ming-Daw Tsai

¹Department of Chemistry, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA.

Journal of Cellular Physiology

|April 9, 2008

Summary

This review explores DNA polymerase-DNA complexes, revealing that 2:1 complexes, not just 1:1, are more active forms. These findings impact understanding DNA replication and repair mechanisms.

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Strand-Specific Analysis of Proteins at Replicating DNA Strands by Enrichment and Sequencing of Protein-Associated Nascent DNA Method

Strand-Specific Analysis of Proteins at Replicating DNA Strands by Enrichment and Sequencing of Protein-Associated Nascent DNA Method

Published on: May 2, 2025

Area of Science:

Biochemistry
Molecular Biology
Genetics

Background:

DNA polymerases are essential enzymes for DNA replication and repair across all life forms.
Many DNA polymerases are multifunctional, with reactions previously assumed to be catalyzed by a single enzyme molecule.
While 1:1 DNA polymerase-DNA complexes are known from crystallography, solution studies reveal 2:1 and higher-order complexes.

Purpose of the Study:

To review the emerging field of DNA polymerase-DNA complex stoichiometry.
To explore the functional significance of these complexes, particularly 2:1 stoichiometry.
To highlight findings for mammalian DNA polymerase beta, Klenow fragment, and T4 DNA polymerase.

Main Methods:

Biochemical approaches
Biophysical approaches
Solution studies

Main Results:

Identification of 2:1 and higher-order DNA polymerase-DNA complexes in solution.
Evidence suggests that 2:1 complexes represent a more active enzymatic form.
Specific examples include complexes of DNA polymerase beta, Klenow fragment, and T4 DNA polymerase.

Conclusions:

The stoichiometry of DNA polymerase-DNA complexes is crucial for enzyme function.
2:1 complexes are likely key players in DNA metabolism.
Further research into these complexes can illuminate DNA replication and repair processes.